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Neighborhood Alliance (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Disaster Resilience
└ Disaster Preparedness
└ Disaster Preparedness
Older adults in Lorain County often lacked disaster preparedness resources and faced transportation barriers that made it hard to get emergency supplies. Neighborhood Alliance used its Mobile Seniors program to deliver customized preparedness kits directly to these residents, including essential items and guidance from the county emergency management agency. Community partners and volunteers added supplies, expanding the effort. The kits increased safety and confidence, and one recipient said, "For the first time, I feel like I have a plan..." The program also strengthened ongoing wellness checks and created a model that can continue through community support.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Los Angeles, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
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Pittsfield, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: The City of Pittsfield Senior Center focused on helping older adults prepare for severe weather and power outages when many residents lacked clear emergency plans. The center delivered interactive preparedness workshops that paired practical guidance with personalized planning and starter emergency supply kits, reaching residents in housing communities, nursing homes and other local gathering spaces. The effort emphasized collaboration with local agencies to ensure information was accurate and accessible. The project strengthened community relationships and positioned the Senior Center as a trusted hub for emergency readiness. A key outcome was a formal evacuation partnership that designated the center as an evacuation site. One staff member said the work helped the center step beyond its walls and better support residents before the next emergency.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Freeport, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Town‑wide mailers and education sessions will introduce Neighborhood Resiliency Hubs. The effort will strengthen neighbor support systems during weather emergencies.
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Lorain, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project made improvements to Falbo Park, including adding a 20- by 20-foot shade awning, a large glider swing and an additional shade structure featuring a trellis for vines to climb. The City of Lorain designed these enhancements to make Falbo Park a space for intergenerational physical activity, play and community-building. The park hosted activities and provided solace to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project sparked other tangible changes to Falbo Park. In 2021, the City added a butterfly garden to attract pollinators. They also installed accessible bench-style swings in other parts of town, including at the local outdoor concert venue.
Lorain, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Transportation Other
Description: The project will install a sidewalk connecting overflow parking to a riverfront event space. The new path will keep pedestrians, mostly age 50-plus, out of traffic during busy concert seasons.
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